Covenant and UMC partnering up for the benefit of the patient

This is a breath of fresh air in an environment where covenant and UMC are normally competitors.

Now, the two major hospitals say they are coming together as partners to launch a health information exchange. The patient wins in this deal, because it means if you have a doctor at one hospital and a procedure at the other, the information can be shared through a secured electronic system.

The theory is this will provide better care, less chance of error, no duplication of medical tests and also save time and money.

They've named the program LEAP, which stands for Llano Estacado Access Partners.

That means UMC and covenant have paved the way to expand beyond Lubbock to include other physicians and health care providers regardless of where the treatment comes, as long as the patient agrees. @